Working mothers don't break even until May

(TELEGRAPH) — There are strong regional variations across Britain, with mothers in the South West having to work for almost 19 weeks a year before the cost of a childminder or a nursery is covered – compared with just over 15 weeks for mothers in the West Midlands, according to mutual Family Investments.

The findings are based on a mother having one young child and having no childcare help from relatives or government schemes to help working parents.

On average, the study found that a mother pays £7,127 a year to a childminder or nursery and would need to work for 17 weeks a year before she has broken even on these costs.